Celebrating 75 Years of Sweden–China Relations: Bamboo Innovation and Green Partnership Take Center Stage in Stockholm

Jonathan Schwestka
Jul 19
4 min read

Stockholm, 18 July 2025

To mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sweden and China, leaders from government, business, and civil society gathered in Stockholm on July 17, 2025, for the high-level forum:“Wuyi Bamboo Innovation: Where Chinese Tradition Meets Sweden’s Green Future.”

Co-organized by the Nanping Municipal People’s Government, the Shaowu Municipal People’s Government, the Europe-Asia Center, and the Fujian Shaowu Bamboo Cube Operation Company, the forum showcased how bamboo innovation can contribute to global sustainability and strengthen green cooperation between Europe and China.

Visionary Voices: A Shared Green Future

After a warm welcome by moderators Mr. Elliot Frennstedt and Ms. Gulinigaer Aikebaier, H.E. Mr. Erik Solheim, Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center and former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted the importance of dialogue and collaboration between Sweden, China, the broader EU, and the entire world community to tackle the sustainability crisis, in the context of which bamboo could play a significant role.

Ms. Yan Rui, Secretary-General of the Europe-Asia Center, introduced the event by stating:

"Bamboo is more than a plant - it is a cultural ambassador, weaving together China’s heritage of sustainable living and Sweden’s leadership in climate action. Let bamboo be our guide: rooted in respect, watered by cooperation, and reaching toward a common future - green, sustainable, and shared."

H.E. Ambassador Cui Aimin, Ambassador of China to Sweden, highlighted the importance of Sweden-China relations, and emphasised in particular the ongoing appreciation for Sweden, which was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the PRC.

Mr. He Mingxing, Vice Mayor of Nanping, highlighted the ‘Replacing Plastic with Bamboo’ initiative as a nature-based solution addressing global challenges such as climate change, plastic pollution, poverty, and green development. He invited European partners to:

“come to Nanping to taste bamboo delicacies, admire bamboo landscapes, stay in bamboo homestays, walk bamboo trails, and experience the beauty and virtue of bamboo in all its forms.”

Ms. Guo Feihong, Mayor of Shaowu, presented the Wuyi Bamboo Cube, reminding participants of the ancient saying: “Better to eat without meat than to live without bamboo.” She highlighted how bamboo shapes daily life in Shaowu — from clothing and food to housing and transportation — and expressed Shaowu’s openness to collaboration:

“We look forward to working with European friends and sharing the green dividends of the bamboo industry.”

Mr. Hussein Askary, Vice-Chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden, provided historical context with a reflection on the Ancient Silk Road, and called for the renewal of East-West cooperation through sustainability and innovation.

Ms. Natalia Lopez, Senior Manager at PwC Sweden, emphasized the importance of circular design, reminding participants that:

“Circularity = sustainability + innovation. It starts not with waste, but with smart, responsible design - which accounts for over 80% of a product’s environmental impact.”

Mr. Vide Richter, Head of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships at UN Global Compact Sweden, highlighted the ambitious sustainability goals of Swedish companies, and emphasized the potential of bamboo in advancing green transition efforts across sectors.

East–West Dialogue: Building Bridges through Innovation

In an inspiring panel discussion moderated by Mr. Jonathan Schwestka, Director for Europe of the Europe-Asia Center, four panelists exchanged views on Sweden-China relations, challenges of the green transition, the role of bamboo, and its applicability in furniture, interior design, and construction.

The panelists included Mr. Stephen Brawer, Chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden; Ms. Stella Xing Chen, artist and author; Mr. Du Jinxiang, Chairman of Fujian Dushi Wooden Industry Co., ltd; and Ms. Emma Olbers, designer and CEO of Emma Olbers Design.

A particular point of interest was the Wuyi Bamboo Cube:

"Wuyi Bamboo Cube" Regional Public Brand: From Industry Benchmark to International Name Card

At the core of the event, the innovative model and value of "Wuyi Bamboo Cube", China’s first regional public bamboo brand, were highlighted as a key example of Shaowu’s commitment to green development. The brand has established a “full industry chain empowerment + global layout” model.

Industrial Foundation

Relying on 44,870 hectares (448.7 sq km) of bamboo forests, 135 million bamboo plants, and 292 enterprises (including 2 national key forestry leaders and 5 high-tech enterprises), Shaowu built a 6,300 sqm Eco Innovation Center. Housing over 300 companies and 10,000+ SKUs, it is China's largest and most comprehensive bamboo industry hub. Since opening in April 2023, it has hosted over 20,000 visitors and more than 10 major events, becoming a key platform for industry innovation.

Brand Strength

In 2024, the brand’s value reached approximately 2.63 billion euros, rising to 2.90 billion euros in 2025. It has won international awards such as the French Design Gold Award and the MUSE Silver Award, and was featured on the cover of Sustainable Structures. Media coverage includes People’s Daily and Xinhua.

Economic Impact

In 2024, Shaowu’s bamboo sector reached approximately 1.12 billion euros, up 16.4%, creating 12,000 jobs and increasing farmer income by about 39 million euros. From April 2023 to June 2024, it secured 1,906 orders worth approximately 39 million euros. In 2022, Shaowu was named “China’s Bamboo Home Capital”, closely linked to this brand’s success.

Standard & Global Reach

In February 2024, it co-issued China’s first “All-Bamboo Tea Space” standard, advancing international standard recognition with Europe. Internationally, it follows a “buy global, sell global” strategy, participating in 20+ exhibitions and entering 12 European markets.

Looking Ahead: The Next 75Years

The event concluded with receptions, offering participants opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and envision future collaborations. Closing on an optimistic note, it reaffirmed a shared commitment to peace, sustainability, and prosperity.

Jonathan Schwestka, Director for Europe of the Europe-Asia Center, concluded:

"The past fifty and seventy-five years have demonstrated the value of sustained dialogue and mutual trust. Looking ahead, we must anchor our partnership in forward-thinking solutions - with sustainability and innovation as central priorities."